IRSN – Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety – is the French national public expert in nuclear and radiological risks.

As a research and expert appraisal organization, IRSN contributes to the implementation of public policies concerning nuclear safety and security and health and environmental protection against ionizing radiation.

IRSN contributes to the safety of existing and future nuclear facilities through a wide range of activities: examining the files submitted by Operators of facilities in operation or under construction, supporting inspection teams from the French safety authority, contributing to the process of updating national and international regulations, developing research programs regarding the prevention of accidents...

​With ionizing radiation being found in such wide-ranging applications, radiation protection for workers and the public is an essential aspect of IRSN’s activity.

IRSN is responsible for performing radiological monitoring of the environment throughout France, carries out research and analysis to better understand the exposure of workers exposed to radiation, and works to improve the conditions of patient exposure.

In the event of an incident or accident involving sources of ionizing radiation, IRSN provides guidance to public authorities on the technical, public health and medical measures to be taken to protect the population, workers and the environment, while restoring safety at facilities. IRSN's emergency response center can be called in at all times.

IRSN contributes to national and international efforts to control nuclear and sensitive materials and protect facilities against malicious acts, through the enforcement of treaties on control of nuclear and sensitive materials, and the escort of international and national inspection teams.

Contracts with BNRA, the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, GEN-Energija...

Outside European Union

42 partnerships with organizations from other European countries.

Contracts with SNRIU, Novarka...

IRSN is a global player with 329 active cooperation agreements and contracts in 47 countries.

As a technical safety organization (TSO), IRSN is also operating scientific partnership and providing scientific cooperation and services through agreements with international organizations, and is a founding member or partner in 14 organizations and networks.More

a jointly-owned subsidiary of IRSN and its German counterpart GRS, for international technical assessments >Riskaudit website

Economic grouping composed of Bel V (Belgium), IRSN (France) and LEI (Lithuania), Enstti is the training and tutoring Institute that transfers the knowledge and know-how of the European nuclear safety organizations >Enstti website

Research

IRSN’s research focuses not only on acquiring new scientific knowledge, but also on developing technical tools required to control risks and help expand the Institute's expertise capabilities. These programs are adapted to take into account normative, regulatory, technological, industrial and social issues.